Love is not just tolerance. It's not just distant appreciation. It's a warm sense of, 'I am enjoying the fact that you are you.' N.T.Wright
Meaning of distant far away in space or time.
The word distant is in the in Bible 94 times...
Who are you? Do I remember you?? My memories of you are so faded and distant do I even remember who you once were?? I question how and why I allowed you to get so close to my soul??
I do believe we are all born with a Godly purpose. A divine destiny.. I know in my heart our paths crossed for a beautiful purpose. To LOVE... even if it was only for a fleeting moment in time.
In the beginning of my journey many began to distance themselves, from my life which wounded my soul... But I have learned that there are times, when God allows this distance so we can grow and find Him! He will fill that void, that emptiness we feel in our hearts... He will soothe our hearts and speak songs of love to our souls...
The most intriguing thing I found as people became distant... It afforded me the time to press into God’s heart more each day... As my life began to turn... I began to see things like never before. My soul began to breath a newfound freedom. And my relationship with my Heavenly Father grew into such a beautiful world of exciting wonder and unexplainable love...
If you were one of the one's that could not find it in your heart to stay... You were not alone. ... Many chose not to stay or even call ...They have distanced them self, due to lack of kindness, compassion and or understanding.. Many walked away.... But I forgive you.
Because I have found that it can be intimidating and a bit overwhelming for some to realize that God is a larger-than-life adventure... Many become squeamish just at the mention of His name. Not all of us are ready to explore the possibilities of a love beyond this world...
I do believe that this "distancing" experience is like being a beautiful rose bush that needs a little pruning of the dead leaves in our lives... As they truly serve no healthy purpose... They just hang on and drain life from the bush giving nothing in return... When we are pruned it makes us stronger, it allows room for the beauty of a deeper more meaningful growth to take place... It will breathe life into the very essence of who you are in your core.
God is an amazing gardener of the soul. As He removes things that no longer serves His heavenly purpose... He will fill your life with such richness. You will appreciate life and love like never before. It is the most amazing experience!!! It defies all human imagination... Things that you thought mattered will begin to fade...
So, I can honestly say don't despair... If you are feeling alone, misunderstood? Or have experienced a wounded heart at the hands of another... Talk to God, speak from your heart... Or just call His name and invite Him to sit with you a while... He knows us better than we could ever know ourselves... He passionately loves all His children, and He only wants what will make us bloom into the most beautiful soul flower in His garden of LOVE.
Don't distance yourself from God... Place your life in His loving hands...
He is my gardener, my confidant, my all.... He wows me!!
It's Him... it's always Him!
Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit John 15:2
I felt the urge to paint the door to my home red... so I did it this week... and this morning I became curious. Is there a significance to a red door in the Bible...??? And I found out a very interesting tidbit of information.
A red door provides protection. In Biblical times, the Hebrew slaves were instructed to smear blood of a lamb on their front doors to protect their first born from the angel of death. In old Catholicism churches painted the doors of the church red to represent the blood of Christ. Passing through the door would mean that you were on holy ground. Some believe a red door protects the occupants from evil.
It seems there are so many things I do without knowing why have a deeper meaning. and it always points to Him... are they just coincidences.??? It does make me stop and say Hmm
“God’s real desire, in addition to displaying His glory, is to claim your heart and the hearts of those you love.” - Priscilla Shirer...
Fervent means to be hot, to boil, to show great warmth and feeling, the intensity of spirit.
Fervent is used 12 times in the Bible.
Some often think that the Bible is a dry and cold book. But it is filled with emotions of every kind. It is not dry history. It is teeming with the feelings and emotions of God and His children.
We are made in the image of God. In us are all the 5 senses, as well as the sense of the Spirit living in us. God is living, feeling, and full of emotions.
We see in Luke 10 that Jesus sent out 70 disciples to go to every town and tell them that God’s kingdom had arrived and to heal the sick. When they came back to report to Jesus, they were full of joy and excitement.
In that hour it says that Jesus was overjoyed and rejoiced greatly(fervently) in the Holy Spirit. The emotions He had were boiling over and fervent with excitement. Everywhere they had been there was a harvest of souls for the kingdom.
What causes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to be fervent? What makes Them full of joy? The harvest of souls!!!
He has called us to share His love, His message to everyone. May our soul be overflowing as we Talk about Him with fervency.
In another instance, in the Bible, we are called to be fervent in prayer. Our prayers should be burning within us as we talk with Him. He hears our cries. He knows our hearts.
Let us not be lukewarm or cold, but hot in our walk with Him. And be fervent every day as we respond to His love. Loving Him with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. 212 degrees!!
fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” Romans12:11-12KJV
Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times. -Martin Luther...
Meaning of confidence the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust.
We located 20 verses that contain the word confidence.
I am confident that a least one heart will connect with this heartfelt word...
Can confidence be built? Or can it erode with time???
When I thought about this word I closed my eyes and I could clearly see a beautiful pool of water... I had the privilege this summer of watching my granddaughter's swimming lessons. Her Mom had hired a unfamiliar yet friendly teacher.
Day one.... was shear panic, tears and crying out my name..."Grandma" as difficult as it was not to help her I had to stay in my appointed seat..
The teacher was scheduled to come twice a week... She patiently began to speak softly and give her deliberate directions. She started by teaching her how to put her face underwater and blow bubbles ... Then she held her as she floated...As the weeks progressed she began the process of building her trust. Soon the art of swim strokes followed... As the time passed I watched my granddaughter’s trust and confidence in her teacher grow... As summer faded ... She had mastered the task set before her of swimmimg.. And now with great confidence she stood at the edge of the pool she called out my name "Grandma" watch... She then confidently began a deliberate high jump into the deepest part of the pool... She was fully submerged underwater... And soon her little head broke the surface of the sparkling water... And there big as you please was her beautiful confident smile... She did it !!
Many might think this word study would take me to the question “How much confidence do I have in God??” Much like the pool story above many of us may start out our spiritual life in shear panic, crying out and looking for our teacher to save us?? But as our teacher speaks softly to our hearts we began to let go of the edge of the pool... That is how our trust in Him grows. With time, we began to tread water... and spiritually we get stronger each day.. There will be the day that we call out His name and with a deliberate jump we will land in deep water. And as we break the sparkling water's surface He will be there to see our beautiful confident smile...
If we are lucky we have built that trust and confidence in our Heavenly Father by spending the time to know without a doubt He will always be at arms length ready to save us from the challenges of this life...
But does it stop here or does this circle of confidence go beyond our confidence in God?? What about His confidence in His children?? Why were we chosen? Did He see something in us that gave Him the confidence to trust us with such a valuable message??? The message of His greater LOVE!!! As we look back in time there has always been a chosen few... A few that were willing to stand at the edge of the pool ready to jump and fully submerge themselves in Him and His gift of heavenly love... I am confident that it’s our soul's desire to be being fully submerged in His sparkling light...
This word has taught me that confidence goes both ways... I have learned to trust Him with my life... I am confident that with His guidance I will be ready to jump into the deeper part of knowing Him ...
He is my LIFE-savior... My mentor... My confidant... ❤
Its Him, Its always been Him.
We have been chosen to jump?? But the question is
are we ready???
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:35–36
God's call is an inner conviction given by the Holy Spirit and confirmed by the Word of God and the body of Christ.- Erwin Lutzer
Meaning of conviction: a formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal offense, made by the verdict of a jury or the decision of a judge in a court of law.
We located 40 verses that speak of conviction in the Bible...
Guilty as charged ???
This word brought me to thinking of children... Have you ever witnessed a child in the act of doing wrong... And when confronted they have the ability to look us in the eye and say I did not do it!! It wasn't me !!! But the truth is written all over their face!!
We all have been guilty of the same behavior at some time in our lives... We may think if no one witnessed the act we do not have to own up to the action... So then we try to bury it deep with our hearts...
But who are we truly fooling???
Guilt can eat away at the lining of our soul... until we come clean. It will haunt our peace.. and can even make us physically ill. Because it comes from a dark place... But conviction is the Holy Spirit’s cleansing process... We must acknowledge the wrong... We must bring it to our Heavenly Father.. and ask for forgiveness... that is when the weight in our heart lifts and we are able to breathe again...
His forgiveness, His grace ...His undying love... Works miracles in the field of guilt, conviction, and remorse...
But we have some responsibility in the process ... We must meet Him where He stands... We must commit our unclean heart to Him... daily. We must work towards setting the wrong right... We need to acknowledge that in our human form we will always fall short of being perfect. Because perfect is not attainable and He knows it ... Striving for improvement every day ... Can only make us better... than the day before... He welcomes improvement, He watches the growth... And loves us through each challenge... I personally do not understand how He has never given up on His children??? How? Why? So many questions?
How does every word, every thought, every day that my heart beats point to Him??
It’s Him! It has always been Him!!
I must admit ... I am guilty .... Guilty as charged... Guilty of falling in love with Him and I pray that it is written all over my face !! He WOWs me...
I am a work in progress!!! But He still loves me, even with all my imperfections...
Forever His.
“This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.” Acts 24:16
“Pray for us; we are convinced that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.”Hebrews 13:18
"If you are discouraged it is a sign of pride because it shows you trust in your own powers." - Mother Teresa
Meaning of pride: a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.
Ok stand back and brace yourself most if not all of us could use a hefty dose of humility when we crack open this word...
It just might hit you like a cold glass of water on a blistering summer day... Will it be a pleasant tune or just a bunch of white noise...
I think we have hit a sensitive cord... Pride can be dark, it can be full of self... and the shrapnel it releases can wound unsuspecting hearts...
Is this word always an ugly word? Is there a time when pride can be an emotion that can drive us to a place of beautiful growth ??
As parents, we tell our children we are proud of their achievements... But when we take it to others in a boastful manner I think we have just shifted pride to a displeasing level... When pride points to self that is when we lose our humility.. our grace, and our focus on what truly matters...
Would it be out of line if I said I am proud that I am a follower of Christ? Or would I rather hear my Father say He is pleased with who I am becoming... I pray the latter.
When we do not own the word but give it the way it takes on such a beautiful meaning...
The heart you gifted that emotion to may have needed your approval or just a few words of encouragement...
When you weld this emotion mix it with a pinch of love and make sure it lands firm and does not boomerang.
Be a humble encourager ...
Be the most amazing soul you can be!!! Make our Father be delighted in the soul you have become.
Then suddenly the voice of the Father shouted from the sky, saying, “This is my Son—the Beloved! My greatest delight is in him.” Matthew 3:17
"I want to know how God created this world. I am not interested in this or that phenomenon, in the spectrum of this or that element. I want to know God's thoughts, the rest are details." -Albert Einstein
Meaning of “think” has a particular opinion, belief, or idea about someone or something. Direct one's mind toward someone or something; use one's mind actively to form connected ideas.
We located 14 verses that speak to the word “think”.
Hmm, hold that thought!! What were you just thinking this very minute? The human mind is an amazing gift. Did you know there are 39 different types of thought processes? Our thought process is a type of cognitive activity in our brain. It allows us the ability to uses our mental capacity to complete and understand certain functions of our human experience. Many of these activities give us the ability, to problem solve, make split and long-term decisions, create, and evaluate any given situation.
But how does our thinking process affect our emotions? our mood? Does our thinking affect how we act and react towards life and others?
In most cases, our thought process stimulates some type of emotion… I found that most times is not the outside world that causes the emotion it is our internal filtering system. Life experiences weigh in heavy in this process…
Have you ever witnessed someone that always seems to be at peace even when they face difficult times? They seem to have a positive outlook. Do they have an inner joy??? What is this gift of positive thinking??
How do we rewire our thinking??? How to shift our mood from darkness to light?? Where can we find this product that they seem to possess???
This may not speak to everyone. But perhaps these souls have tapped into something much deeper something so simplistic and available to every man, woman, and child??
What does the good book reveal? What is it that keeps us coming back? There seems to be a medicinal phenomenon that lies between its pages… There are so many nuggets of wisdom hidden here… When we dive in and meditate on these beautiful words our mind becomes filled with the love our Heavenly Father placed in each written word…
It has been proven that if I say a word… you will automatically think of the object. Your life experience with that object will begin to race to your thoughts. And your emotions and sometimes all your senses will come rushing forward. That object will become your focus. Other thoughts may try to invade your headspace… But stay focused!!! Are you ready to test this theory?? Close your eyes and think of…
God... His beauty... His Love... His power, His grace, FOCUS on Him, and His love for you. You are His beautiful, forgiven, child… I pray your heart feels HIM... Because your emotions will kick in… and your thoughts will be filled with HOPE and the most amazing LOVE known to man...
WOW, He truly knows how we are wired?? He gave us Psalms 1:2 for a reason… Meditate on Him and His word day and night… This type of thinking can and does shift our thoughts… It has been proven… But the question becomes… How much of the day or night do you give Him?? Some share a quick devotional in the morning, some pray before bed. Some hit church on Sunday… But is that enough to change how you react to our miss guided world?
He has given us the gift of thinking, use it wisely…
It's Him, It’s always been HIM…. He can change the way we are wired to think!!!
THINK of HOPE, THINK POSITIVE THOUGHTS, THINK of His AMAZING GIFT OF LOVE …
THINK of HIM.. and maybe your thoughts will become that ripple of love that our world needs to meditate on day and night… Be the change…
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditates day and night. Psalms 1:2
The naive believes everything, But the sensible man considers his steps. Proverbs 14:15
Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise. And apply your mind to my knowledge; Proverbs 22:17
"To have God speak to the heart is a majestic experience, an experience that people may miss if they monopolize the conversation and never pause to hear God's responses."- Charles Stanley...
Meaning of Majestic: having or showing impressive beauty or dignity.
The word Majestic appeared in 76 verses in the Bible.
Some people use the word Majestic when speaking of mountains, or beautiful locations on earth. I have used it many times while writing for this blog. It has mainly been when I speak of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. After all, He is the Creator of all things even the ones that are considered majestically beautiful.
It is only fitting to state that He is the highest Majestic Kingly soul we will ever encounter. Have you ever just closed your eyes and felt His presence? What do you feel? What do you see? What do you hear?
I can share my experience with you. I have witnessed His beauty. I have felt their Godly presence deep within my soul.
I have silently watched the sunset… And can see Him in the brilliant colors of gold, the soft pinks, and the majestic blues. There is peace and a feeling of hope and wonderment. Every sunset carries a unique beauty of its own. How can we not believe in our Creator when we can witness the beauty that He shares with His children???
He possesses such majestic traits. He is a powerful force that reigns over all the heavens and earth. He is kind, merciful, and patient. He is omnipresent. He is all-forgiving… And of course I saved the best for last…. His love is more than my heart can understand. He holds no resentment or judgment. His arms are always welcoming no matter our circumstances. My soul craves to know more about Him with each passing day. To hear His soothing voice brings harmony to my mind, body, and spirit.
When I am asked what does the word majestic means to me? It is simple. It’s the love I feel for the most amazing soul I have grown to know and love. He is my Majestic Splendor, My King. Many call Him God… Some call Him Father. I call Him my Elohim… My Savior, My three LOVEs…
Its Him. It’s always been Him!!
He blows my mind…
"Who is like you among the gods, LORD? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in splendor, and working wonders? Exo 15:11
Now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your majestic name! 1 Chron 29:13
The meaning of desperation: a state of despair,hopelessness, distress, anguish, pain, agony…
The word desperation appears only 4 times in the Bible…
I have never thought of myself as a desperate type... So, this word may give me a run for my money?? Growing up I was a passive soul… My mother used to say, “Lori would rather switch than fight?” But as I grew up, I realized that that was not necessarily the case… I just saved the battles for what I thought was worthy of me standing my ground… I only tolerated being bullied by life issues to a point… Then somewhere deep inside I found the strength to climb the mountain before me.
But then I began to ponder when I have ever felt desperate, and my mind traveled to a 5k race that I had entered… I remember getting ready by training… getting the correct gear… and waiting for the day with great anticipation…
Finally, the day arrived… I had to check in at daybreak. They assigned me a number and pinned it on my shirt… I had entered the race alone… except for the other hundred or so people… I wandered around taking in the moment and watching the other racers laughing, stretching, and lining up with hopes of being one of the top finishers. I will confess, I would be happy to just finish…
The announcer began to call for all racers to make their way to the starting line… As we did, I now felt I was part of this sea of strangers… We gathered, took our stance as they said. on your mark, get set, and GO! I heard the gun and away we went…. As the race continued, some raced ahead with great speed, some fell to the back of the pack… I felt I would be lucky if I were somewhere in the middle… 1 mile, 2 miles, as I ran past each mile marker my endurance seem to be fading but I was determined not to give up… I passed mile marker 3, and then 4 ... My breathing became labored. My heart started pounding, and my legs were feeling weak… But my mind said keep going you are almost home….
As soon as that thought ran through my mind, I began to see the finish line on the distant horizon… I became ecstatic that I had made it this far… However, my body began to scream as I rounded the 4.5k mark, up and down hills, through grass, and even rain… I was desperate to finish… As the finish line came closer and closer, I began to call out every name I knew in Heaven, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and my sister. I knew at this point I needed heavenly help as I was desperate to finish… It was a beautiful moment and one that I will always remember as those heavenly souls helped me across the finish line that day.
Now you are most likely wondering what this has to do with a Bible word study?? I can only share my thoughts… We are all in the race we call life… We are all getting ready for that big race day… Some are filling their spiritual bodies and training each day. Some may think I've got this no problem.. after all, I am in pretty good shape ?? Some may be weak and feel there is still time to ready themselves? But when we are called to the starting line… and hear the words... on your mark, we will gather… get set… we will take our stance… and then with a great powerful voice, you will hear the word Go…. The last gun will fire...
I do believe we will all run with hope in our hearts that we did enough to make it home... We will all feel that final tug of desperate anticipation… Some may struggle and desperately make the last attempt with their last dying breath. Some will keep running and try to slide into home plate.
Me I want to prepare myself now, so I can finish strong and call out all the soul's names that helped me cross the finish line. I celebrate and say "I am here count me in." Because I will admit..... I am beyond...
Desperate to see His beautiful face…
It's Him, It's always Him
In case you are curious I came in 5th in my age group… I know in my heart it had to be Him…
I pray you to start training today for the most amazing race you will ever enter... I hope to see you at the finish line.
But when they were in their trouble and distress they turned to the Lord God of Israel, and [in desperation earnestly] sought Him, 2 Chronicles 15:4
Desperation
The meaning of desperation: a state of despair,hopelessness, distress, anguish, pain, agony…
The word desperation appears only 4 times in the Bible…
I have never thought of myself as a desperate type... So, this word may give me a run for my money?? Growing up I was a passive soul… My mother used to say, “Lori would rather switch than fight?” But as I grew up, I realized that that was not necessarily the case… I just saved the battles for what I thought was worthy of me standing my ground… I only tolerated being bullied by life issues to a point… Then somewhere deep inside I found the strength to climb the mountain before me.
But then I began to ponder when I have ever felt desperate, and my mind traveled to a 5k race that I had entered… I remember getting ready by training… getting the correct gear… and waiting for the day with great anticipation… Finally, the day arrived… I had to arrive at daybreak and check-in… they assigned me a number and pinned it on my shirt… I had entered the race alone… except for the other hundred or so people… I wandered around taking in the moment and watching the other racers laughing, stretching, and lining up with hopes of being one of the top finishers. I will confess, I would be happy to just finish…
The announcer began to call for all racers to make their way to the starting line… As we did, I now felt I was part of the sea of people… We gathered, took our stance as they said. On your mark, get set, and GO! I heard the gun and away we went…. As the race continued, some raced ahead with great speed, some fell to the back of the pack… I was somewhere maybe in the middle… 1 mile, 2mile, as I ran past each mile maker my endurance seem to be fading but I could not give up… miles 3, and 4... My breathing became labored. My heart was pounding, and my legs were feeling the pain… But my heart and mind said keep going you are almost home….
As soon as that thought ran through my mind, I began to see the finish line on the distant horizon… I became ecstatic that I had made it this far… However, my body began to feel the 4.5k track I had been on… Uphills through grass, and even rain… I was desperate to finish… As the finish line became closer and closer, I began to call out every name I knew in Heaven, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and my sister. I knew at this point I needed heavenly help as I was desperate to finish… It was a beautiful moment and one that I will always remember as those heavenly souls helped me across the finish line that day.
Now you are most likely wondering what does this has to do with a Bible word study?? I can only share my thoughts… We are all in the race we call life… We are all getting ready for that big race day… Some are filling their spiritual bodies and training each day. Some may think I think I am in good shape no problem?? Some may be weak and feel there is still time to ready themselves? But when all approach the starting line… and we hear on your mark, we will gather… get set… we will take a stand… and Go…. I do believe we will all run with hope in our hearts that we make it to the finish line… We will all feel desperation set in… Some may struggle and be desperate to make it into Heaven with their last dying breath. Some will keep running or even crawling to squeak in… Me I want to prepare myself now, so I can finish calling out all the soul's names that went before me. I am here count me in… Because I will admit. I am beyond desperate to see His beautiful face…
It's Him, It's always Him
In case you are curious I came in 5th in my age group… I know in my heart it had to be Him…
I pray you start training today for the most amazing race you will ever be a part of... I hope to see you at the finish line.
But when they were in their trouble and distress they turned to the Lord God of Israel, and [in desperation earnestly] sought Him, 2 Chronicles 15:4 -
Why do You stand far away, O Lord? Why do You hide [Yourself, veiling Your eyes] in times of trouble? Psa 10:1
